Del Mar Daily Notebook

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of six, including one coupled entry, went to the post for

Wednesday's featured $125,000 Graduation S. for Cal-bred two-year-olds going

5 1/2 furlongs on the main track. The event appeared to be a battle between

trainer Mike Mitchell's COUGAR MTN LODGE (Comic Strip), who absolutely

demolished a maiden special field of state-breds at Hollywood last out, and

stakes winner Don Jaun Con (Suggest).

When the field left the gate, the race immediately became a duel between

Don Jaun Con and Blaze It (What A Spell) as the duo battled it out through

early fractions of :21 3/5 and :44 1/5 . As the pair came off the turn,

Blaze It began to put away his rival, and looked to be on his way to the

victory. It was at this time though that Cougar Mtn Lodge began to mount a

serious rally from off the pace and slowly began to wear down the pace

setter before pulling clear late to cross the wire two lengths in front.

Blaze It fought gamely to the end to pick up the place, 1 1/2 lengths in

front of a fast closing Irish Bar (Bartok [Ire]) in third. Don Jaun Con

faded to finish fourth.

Tomorrow will be a big day for Pick 6 players as four of the six races

Wednesday produced double digit payoffs which, in turn, produced a carry

over of $118, 879. The highlight came in the 5TH when SEXY OPERATOR (Latin

American) hit the wire in front, paying a whopping $97.80 for the effort.

There were five main track sprint races on the day and horses coming from

off the pace won four of them while the lone main track route race was won

by a front runner. There was one route and one sprint contested on the Jimmy

Durante Turf Course, with the route being won by a front runner and the

sprint being won by a horse coming from just off the pace.

Those that follow Southern California racing on a regular basis

undoubtedly noticed the absence of jockey Patrick Valenzuela on Wednesday.

He and fellow rider Tony Farina are each sitting out three day suspensions

for incidents during the first week of the meet. The pair will be clear to

return to riding on Saturday.

Valenzuela's absence gave Victor Espinoza an ideal opportunity to move

back into a tie, or even regain the lead, in the jockey standings, but he

went winless on the day, leaving Valenzuela on top by a score of 10 to nine.

As for the trainers, Bob Baffert and Doug O'Neil remain in a tie at the top

with five winners each.

Horses to Watch

5TH -- Sexy Operator was extremely impressive in her career debut for

conditioner Jack Van Berg. The two-year-old filly bounded out of the gate

and onto the lead, guiding this state-bred maiden claiming field through

early fractions of :21 4/5 and :45 2/5. Once the field hit the stretch, the

bay appeared to be ripe for the taking but she dug in determinedly and

continued on the wire to claim the victory by three parts of a length.

7TH -- Cougar Mtn Lodge put in a solid effort in winning the Graduation

and gave the appearance of one that could carry his winning ways over to

longer distances of ground.

Tomorrow's Outlook -- Thursday, July 28

Thursday's feature is a $62,500 claiming event for three-year-olds going

eight furlongs on the grass. SEAPOINT (Crafty Friend) is one among the field

to definitely keep an eye on. The dark bay is coming off of a solid effort

in his grass debut where he was checked sharply but re-rallied to finish in

a dead heat for second, only a nose behind the winner. Seapoint also holds

the best BRIS Speed rating on the surface and at the distance of the nine

runners scheduled to compete.

The forecast for Thursday calls for clouds in the morning giving way to

mostly sunny skies in the afternoon with high's in the mid-70s.

Thursday's Best Plays

3RD - ALBERTA WHIZ (Albert The Great) could offer value for those looking

for plays with a bit of a price. The two-year-old filly will be making her

first career start in this maiden claiming event but she sports a solid and

steady string of works, highlighted by her latest clocking of :47 1/5 over

this very strip where she had the 3rd fastest time of the 67 that worked

that morning. Conditioner Molly Pearson produces 33 percent winners in the

"Debut Maiden Claiming" trainer category and 24 percent in the "1st Time

Starter" category which makes the bay a threat at what should be a square

price.

6TH - MEMBERSHIP COFFEE (General Meeting) appears to be a stand out in

this Cal-bred maiden special field. The four-year-old filly tops the field

in BRIS Prime Power by over 10 points and her BRIS Pace Ratings indicate

that she should be near the lead early and still have plenty left at the end

for the run to the finish line. Red hot trainer Jeff Mullins will be giving

Victor Espinoza a leg up for the ride and the pair has combined for a 30

percent win rate over the last 60 days. Though Membership Coffee has failed

as the favorite in the past, she appears to have found a spot where it will

be tough to keep her out of the winner's circle.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of nine went to the post for Thursday's featured event, a $62,500

claiming affair for three-year-olds going eight furlongs on the grass.

Seapoint (Crafty Friend) was sent to the gate as the post-time favorite off

his turf debut at Hollywood, where he overcame a rough trip to finish in a

dead-heat for second, only a nose behind the winner.

In the end, though, the day belonged to the Dan Hendricks-trained TOP

THIS AND THAT (Old Topper), who put in a solid effort in his first try over

the lawn by rallying from near the back of the pack to pick up the victory

by a neck. Seapoint laid just off the pacesetters early and put in a game

effort to the wire to finish second, three parts of a length in front of

Dark Indulgence (Doneraile Court) in third.

With jockey Patrick Valenzuela on the shelf serving the second day of

this three-day suspension, Victor Espinoza picked up a win in the 6TH aboard

MEMBERSHIP COFFEE (General Meeting) to move back into a tie in the jockey

standings. The pair has 10 wins each. Garrett Gomez rode two winners

Thursday and is right behind the leaders with eight winners for the meet.

Jeff Mullins picked up a winner on the day to move into a tie with Bob

Baffert and Doug O'Neil atop the trainer standings with five winners each.

There were four sprints contested on the main track today and they seemed

to play pretty fair as horses on the pace won two and horses coming from off

the pace won two. As for the pair of eight-furlong route races contested on

the main track, both were won by horses rallying from off the pace. In

addition to the feature, there was one other race contested on the grass and

it was won by a horse coming from off the pace as well.

Horses to Watch

3RD - ALBERTA WHIZ (Albert the Great) looked extremely impressive in her

career debut. The two-year-old filly took the lead out of the gate, leading

the field through opening fractions of :21 4/5 and :45 before carrying on

gamely through the stretch to hit the finish line 1 1/4 lengths clear of the

favorite in second and 7 1/4 lengths clear of the third-place finisher.

Provided the connections don't become too ambitious with her placement, the

bay could loom a threat in her next start as well.

7TH - Top This and That looked extremely impressive in his first try on

the grass and closed with a nice turn of foot to pick up the victory against

a solid field of claimers.

Tomorrow's Outlook -- Friday, July 29

Friday night's feature is the Daisycutter H., for fillies and mares,

three-years-old and up, going five furlongs on the grass. This could prove

to be a very wide open affair as several of the more accomplished runners in

the field will be trying the lawn for the first time. Grade 3-placed BELLA

BANISSA (Good and Tough) is one among the field, though, that could prove

interesting. The three-year-old filly is coming off her turf debut, where

she led the field from gate to wire, under nothing but a hand ride, for a

two-length victory.

The forecast for Friday calls for morning clouds giving way to partly

sunny skies in the afternoon with highs in the upper 70s.

Friday's Best Plays

1ST - TERESITA (Deputy Minister) will be making her second career start

after putting in a solid effort in her debut at Hollywood, where she

finished third, beaten by only a length. Trainer Bob Baffert is a rock solid

24 percent in the "2nd Career Race" trainer category and 32 percent, over

the last 60 days, when he enlists jockey Victor Espinoza for his runners.

Teresita holds a BRIS Prime Power advantage of more than nine points and her

lone BRIS Speed rating towers over the field. The bay's BRIS Pace ratings

indicate that she should be lying near the pace early and still have

something left in the tank at the end to carry her to the finish line in

front.

4TH - CUSCO (Ire) (Titus Livius [Fr]) has looked like an entirely

different horse since arriving from Europe and into the barn of trainer Bob

Hess Jr. The four-year-old filly has put in back to back solid starts,

including a nice victory against allowance company at Hollywood. The

chestnut sports a couple of respectable maintenance works around the "dogs"

over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course and her BRIS Pace and Speed ratings are

right up there with the best in the field. Jockey Kent Desormeaux, a solid

16 percent grass jockey, has taken the call on the mount, only adding to the

list of things to like.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of eight fillies and mares, three-years-old and upward, went to

the post for Friday's featured Daisycutter H. Contested at five furlongs on

the grass, the Daisycutter proved to be an interesting wagering proposition

as many of the top competitors in the field were trying the lawn for the

first time. Bella Banissa (Good And Tough) was sent off as the post time

favorite in her attempt to pick up her third victory in a row. Once the gate

sprang open, the bay immediately jumped out on the lead, guiding the field

through an opening quarter of :21 2/5. The filly found herself with company

on the front end though as FORTUNATELY (GB) (Forzando) was close on her

heels every step of the way.

As the field hit the stretch, Fortunately swung to the outside and easily

ran down the favorite on her way to a 1 1/2 length victory. Abounding Truth

(Proudest Romeo) put in a nice effort to rally from off the pace to pick up

the place, three parts of a length in front of Bella Banissa in third.

Victor Espinoza picked up a win on the day to wrestle the lead in the

jockey standings away from Patrick Valenzuela by a score of 11-10. Things

will definitely get interesting tomorrow though as "P-Val" will be making

his return from a three day suspension. Garrett Gomez also picked up a

winner on the day and is looming a close third in the standings with nine

winners for the meet.

As for the trainers, Doug O'Neill, Bob Baffert and Jeff Mullins are all

tied with five winners each.

There were three sprints contested on the main track Friday and horses on

or near the pace won two of them. As for the three routes on the main today,

two of those were won by horses coming from off the pace but the third was

won in gate to wire fashion. In addition to the feature, there was an eight

furlong grass race and, contrary to the feature, it was won by a horse

coming from off the pace.

Horses to Watch

4TH - DOMAINE (Chi) (Hussonet) was in perfect position stalking the

leaders as the field came into the stretch of this optional claiming grass

event. Once the filly tried to make her move though, she found herself

completely boxed in and was forced to wait for a hole to open. When Domaine

finally did find some room, she angled to the inside and closed with a nice

burst of speed but it was far too late. The bay was forced to settle for

fourth, beaten by only a length.

6TH - DATTICUS (Atticus) was unbelievable in this eight-furlong allowance

event. The dark bay took the lead out of the gate and led the pack through

early fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 3/5 . Once the field hit the stretch, the

five-year-old gelding really turned it on, opening up through the stretch

drive to hit the finish line 5 1/2 lengths in front under nothing but a hand

ride.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Saturday, July 30

A pair of eight furlong turf stakes highlights Saturday's racing action

at Del Mar with the featured event coming in the 8TH as a field of 14

three-year-old fillies, including four who are also eligible, is entered for

the San Clemente H. (G2). As can often be the case with the grass, there are

a few European-breds that could prove dangerous in this field.

The Bobby Frankel-trained LOUVAIN (Ire) (Sinndar) is coming into the race

off of a nice victory in the Flawlessly S. at Hollywood where she rallied

from off the pace, overcoming a bit of a troubled trip, to take the victory

by 1 1/2 lengths. Group 2-placed SALSA BRAVE (Ire) (Almutawakel [GB]) will

be making her first start in North America for Jenine Sahadi and the filly

is sporting a solid set of steady works dating back to May. Included is her

most recent effort where she posted a nice solid maintenance work around the

"dogs" over the very same Jimmy Durante Turf Course she will compete on come

Saturday.

The other stakes race on the day is in the 5TH as a field nine

three-years-old and upwards are scheduled to compete in the Wickerr H. This

could prove to be an extremely competitive event as there are easily five

runners among the field who are each capable of having their picture taken.

The forecast for Saturday calls for partly cloudy skies with a slight

chance of showers or thunderstorms and highs in the upper 70s.

Saturday's Best Plays

2ND - UNUSUAL SPRINGS (Unusual Heat) will be facing the easiest field she

has encountered since making her grass debut in March of this year. The

three-year-old filly has put in some solid efforts on the grass including a

fourth place finish, beaten by only 1 1/2 lengths, in the Senorita S. (G3)

at Hollywood. Unusual Springs holds a respectable BRIS Prime Power advantage

of over four points and her BRIS Pace and Speed Ratings are right there at

the top of the field. O'Neill has enlisted Valenzuela for the mount and the

pair has connected for a 36 percent win rate over the last 60 days.

6TH - DIAMOND OMI (Giant's Causeway) appears to be fully cranked to make

her career debut for Baffert. The chestnut is sporting a steady and sharp

string of works including her latest effort of :46 4/5, the second fastest

of 34, right here over the Del Mar oval. Diamond Omi has the pedigree to be

a nice one as she is the half-sister to 1996 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

(G1) winner Storm Song (Summer Squall) who also happened to break her maiden

in her career debut. Baffert will be giving Espinoza a leg up for the ride

and the pair has produced 32 percent winners over the last 60 days.

As a side note, so far for the meet, there have been 18 "Best Plays."

Eight of these have made it to the winner's circle, including CUSCO (Ire)

(Titus Livius [Fr]) on Friday who returned a solid $9.80 for her neck

victory in the 4TH.

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of 10 went to the gate for Saturday's featured San Clemente H.

(G2), for three-year-old fillies going eight furlongs on the grass. The

Bobby Frankel-trained Louvain (Ire) (Sinndar) was sent to the post as the

favorite off of the fact that she has picked up two stakes wins in three

starts since coming to North America. The bay put in a game effort trying to

close from off the pace but could do no better than fourth.

In the end, the day belonged to SHINING ENERGY (Rahy), who rallied from

well off the pace and closed with a nice turn of foot to claim the victory

by 1 1/4 lengths. The filly made her first start in North America in

February and quickly reeled off back to back victories, both in impressive

fashion. Once she began to compete against graded stakes company though, the

chestnut's form tailed off dramatically as she failed miserably as the

favorite in two-straight starts. If this race is any indication though,

Shining Energy has regained her form and will be a solid threat should her

connections decide to start her in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) on August 20.

Memorette (Memo [Chi]) and Royal Copenhagen (Inchinor [GB]) both finished

the San Clemente determinedly to hit the wire simultaneously in a dead-heat

for second.

In addition on Saturday, a field of nine three-year-olds and upward went

to the gate for the Wickerr H., which was also contested at eight furlongs

over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. TSIGANE (Fr) (Anabaa) was sent off as

the post-time favorite and rewarded his backers by rallying from well off

the pace to pick up the victory by a neck and, in the process, contributed

to trainer Julio Canani sweeping the day's pair of stakes races. Geronimo

(Chi) (Gold Tribute) put in a solid performance to finish second, a nose in

front of Terroplane (Fr) (Verglas [Ire]) in third.

There was a bit of controversy after the event as there were two claims

of foul lodged against the winner. After studying the replay though, the

stewards left the order of finish intact.

Jockey Garrett Gomez picked up two wins on the day and has moved into a

tie with Victor Espinoza atop the jockey standings with 11 winners each.

Patrick Valenzuela went winless in his first day back from suspension and

remains in second with 10. Jeff Mullins picked up two winners on the day to

put in him in sole possession of the lead in the trainer standings with

seven for the meet. Doug O'Neill picked up one winner on the day and is in

second place with six.

There were five sprints contested over the main track with horses on or

near the pace winning four of them. As for the two main track routes, one

was won by a horse on the lead and the other by a runner coming from off the

pace. In addition to the two eight-furlong stakes races, there was one 1

1/16-mile turf race on the day and, just like the other two, it was won by a

horse coming from off the pace

Horses to Watch

1ST - BIG CITY HIT (Carson City) was involved in a speed duel from the

moment the gate opened in this maiden special event. The three-year-old colt

contested early fractions of :22 and :44 and fought gamely all the way to

the wire to come up three parts of a length short in a scenario that was

very similar to his last race at Hollywood where he also finished second,

beaten three parts of a length. Big City Hit won't be denied much longer.

4TH - TOUGH GAME (Mr. Greeley) was extremely impressive in this $32,000

claiming event. The six-year-old horse led the field from gate to wire,

steadily widening his lead the entire way. Once the bay hit the finish line,

he was five lengths clear of the field.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Sunday, July 31

A field of nine is scheduled to go to the gate for Sunday's six-furlong

$300,000 Bing Crosby H. (G1). Named for one of Del Mar's founding fathers,

the Bing Crosby has become one of the premier sprint stakes in the country

and an outstanding stepping stone on the road to the Breeders' Cup Sprint

(G1). All eyes will be on multiple Grade 1 winner PICO CENTRAL (Brz) (Spend

A Buck), who will be making his first start since a respectable fourth-place

finish, beaten by only 1 1/2 lengths, in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1)

back in March. The question is though whether or not the six-year-old horse

is completely cranked up after his vacation from racing.

Trainer Cole Norman is ready to give his runner TOP COMMANDER (Kingmambo)

the acid test as he is shipping the gelding in from his home base of

Louisiana Downs for the event. The bay has posted some impressive BRIS Speed

Ratings in the past but this will definitely be the toughest field he has

faced to date.

STORM WOLF (Stormin Fever) is another in the field with interesting

possibilities as he has three devastating wins to show from four career

starts. In his latest effort, the dark bay crushed the field by six lengths

in the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G2) at Hollywood.

Sunday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper

70s.

Sunday's Best Plays

6TH - AIR ACE (Forest Camp) and RISING RATE (Exchange Rate) appear to be

an impressive coupled entry, should they both go, in this maiden special

event as the pair has been absolutely burning the track up in the mornings.

Air Ace is a $450,000 purchase by freshman sire Forest Camp (Deputy

Minister) and the few of his progeny that have actually raced thus far have

hit the track ready to roll as out of eight to start, six of them won at

first asking. The dam, Cope's Light (Copelan), has produced two stakes

winners and six total winners from seven starters, the majority of which won

as two-year-olds.

Rising Rate will probably not garner the attention of his entry mate but

he is no slouch himself as he is a $425,000 purchase who is coming off of a

:47 work over the Del Mar strip, the third-fastest time of the 22 that

worked a half mile that morning.

8TH - BATTLE WON (Honour and Glory) could be a square price play for

those willing to play against, or looking for something to put with, Pico

Central in the Bing Crosby. The dark bay holds a record of 6-3-2-1 at the

distance and his BRIS Pace and Speed Ratings as of late are on par with the

best of the field. Though it can be argued that the gelding has had his

greatest success at Churchill Downs, he almost always puts in a game

performance regardless of the track or surface. Toss in the fact that

trainer Charles Simon has enlisted Patrick Valenzuela for the ride and there

is a lot to like.

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of nine went to the gate for Sunday's featured $300,000 Bing

Crosby H. (G1), for three-year-olds and upward going six furlongs on the

main track. Multiple Grade 1 winner Pico Central (Brz) (Spend A Buck) was

sent to the gate as the favorite but, unfortunately for chalk players,

languished at the back of the pack early and never once showed any real

interest in running. One could almost expect that the six-year-old horse

wouldn't be completely cranked up as this was his first start since

competing in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) in March but to see him cross

the finish line in last was definitely a bit of a surprise.

In the end, the day belonged to GREG'S GOLD (Lake George), who pulled off

the upset by stalking the pace early and closing with a nice turn of foot up

the rail to hit the finish line 1 1/4 lengths in front. The Cal-bred was

taking a major class jump as he had just cleared his N1X condition against

open company. Trainer David Hofmans obviously had the four-year-old gelding

ready to go though as he handled a very respectable field of stakes horses.

Battle Won (Honour and Glory) put in a solid performance considering he

was on the pace throughout, contesting early fractions of :21 2/5 and :43

3/5 . The dark bay fought gamely to the end but could not hold off the late

charge of the winner and was forced to settle for the place. It was another

two lengths back to a fast closing Taste of Paradise (Conquistador Cielo) in

third.

There were six sprints on the main track today and horses on or near the

lead won five of them. As for the two main track routes, both were won by

horses on or near the pace. Also on the day, there were two routes races

contested over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course with a horse coming from just

off the pace winning the first one and in the other the winner came from

well off the lead.

After going winless Saturday, Patrick Valenzuela picked up two winners on

Sunday and Victor Espinoza picked up one, so the pair are once more in a tie

atop the jockey standings with 12 winners each. Garrrett Gomez went winless

on the day but is just one off the pace with 11 winners for the meet.

As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins picked up a win on the day to give him

a little breathing room in the trainer standings as he now has eight winners

thus far. Bob Baffert picked up a win on the day to move him into a tie for

second with Doug O'Neill. The pair have six winners each.

Pick 6 players will definitely have something to look forward to on

Monday as there will be a carryover of $213,997. Of the six races

encompassing the wager Sunday, five of them were won by horses with double

digit pay offs. AIR ACE (Forest Camp), in the 6TH, was the only favorite to

make it into the winner's circle.

Horses to Watch

4TH - BELONG IN BEAUTY (Belong To Me) was really gaining ground on the

leaders in this six furlong maiden special event when she was forced out way

wide on the turn. The three-year-old filly carried on gamely afterward but

she had lost far too much ground to run down the leader and was forced to

settle for third, beaten by only 1 1/2 lengths.

6TH - Air Ace made his two-year-old debut for trainer Bob Baffert a

winning one as he vied for the lead throughout, contesting early fractions

of :21 4/5 and :44 2/5, and dug in gamely at the end to hit the finish line

three parts of a length in front.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Monday, August 1

A field of 12, including two who are also eligible, is entered for

Monday's featured 1 1/16 miles optional claiming turf event. The race

carries an $80,000 claiming price but none of the three-year-olds fillies

that encompass the field are entered for a tag. SINGHALESE (GB) (Singspiel

[Ire]) is one among the field to keep an eye on as she will be running at

her lowest level since coming to North America.

The forecast for Monday calls for partly cloudy skies and highs in the

mid-70s.

Monday's Best Plays

5TH - R. H PERFECT STORM (In Excess [Ire]) will be trying the main track

for the first time in this Cal-bred maiden claiming event and trainer Jeff

Mullins wins 25 percent of the time in the "Turf to Dirt" trainer category.

Though the races came on the turf, the four-year-old filly's BRIS Speed

ratings are at the top of the field and she holds a nearly 10 point

advantage in the BRIS Prime Power category. A look at the BRIS Pace ratings

indicate that she should be able to clear the field and have things her own

way on or near the pace, leaving jockey Tyler Baze with enough left in the

tank at the end to get R. H Perfect Storm to the wire in front.

7TH - Singhalese could prove to be a tough customer in the day's feature

as she will be dropping out of graded stakes competition and into optional

claiming company. The chestnut is coming off of a respectable third place

effort in the American Oaks (G1) and should find the company here much more

to her liking. Given that her last two starts came at nine furlongs and 10

furlongs respectively, Singhalese may also appreciate the cut back to 1 1/16

miles as her lone career victory came at a mile. The filly also holds a

solid advantage in the BRIS Prime Power category and her BRIS Speed ratings

are at the top of the field.

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2005

by Brian P. Turner

A field of 10 went to the post for Monday's featured 7TH race, a 1 1/16

miles optional claiming event for three-year-old fillies contested over the

Jimmy Durante Turf Course. SINGHALESE (GB) (Sinspiel [Ire]) was sent to the

post as the favorite off of her recent third-place effort in the American

Oaks (G1) at Hollywood and rewarded her backers by rallying from well off

the pace, under an extremely confident ride by Mike Smith, to hit the wire 2

1/4 lengths in front.

Isla Cozzene (Cozzene) was also exiting the American Oaks where she had a

bit of a rough trip and weakened late to finish 9TH. The bay rebounded well

here though as she closed from off the pace as well to finish second, three

parts of a length in front of Dramatic (Dynaformer) in third.

There were five sprints contested on the main track Monday with horses

coming from off the pace winning three of them but the lone main track route

was won in gate-to-wire fashion. As for the two turf races, both were won by

horses closing from well off the pace setters.

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela picked up two winners on the day to Victor

Espinoza's one and regained the lead in the jockey standings by a score of

14 to 13. Garrett Gomez visited the winner's circle once today as well to

remain a close third with 12.

As for the trainer standings, Jeff Mullins is still in the lead with

eight winners thus far but Bob Baffert picked up a win on the day to pull

within one of the leader. Doug O'Neill is in third with six winners for the

meet.

Horses to Watch

3RD - PRIVATE BANKING (Fr) (Anabaa) hit the side of the gate at the start

of this turf allowance event but recovered to trail the field early but well

within striking range. As the field went into the final turn, the bay began

to launch a serious rally but completely blew the turn, causing her to lose

serious ground. The three-year-old filly re-rallied and regained her

momentum to make a nice finishing move, only to lose in a head bob at the

wire.

5TH - RESIDENT ALIEN (Bertrando) vied for the lead throughout in this

Cal-bred maiden claiming event, contesting early fractions of :21 3/5 and

:44 1/5. Once the field hit the stretch, the dark bay had another gear left

and widened his lead through the stretch to hit the wire 9 1/2 lengths in

front.

Outlook for Wednesday, August 3

A field of nine, including one coupled entry, is entered for Wednesday's

Escondido H. for three-year-olds and up going 11 furlongs on the grass.

Several in the field have been competing against graded company and will be

making the drop to listed company in search of a trip to the winner's

circle. This could prove to be a wide open event but keep an eye on the

Bobby Frankel trained QSAR (Ger) (Tiger Hill), who will be looking to

rebound off of a dismal showing in the Eddie Read H. (G1) where he finished

last by 13 lengths, and LAURA'S LUCKY BOY (Theatrical [Ire]), who came up

only 1 3/4 lengths short last out in the American Invitational H. (G2) at

Hollywood.

Beware of last year's winner SARAFAN (Lear Fan) because he absolutely

loves Del Mar as his record of 6-4-1-0 will stand testament. Another

interesting entrant is SLEEPLESS JOY (Joyeux Dancer) who will be making his

first start in North America for trainer Julio Canani.

Wednesday's forecast is virtually the same as it has been for every day

of the meet thus far. Look for mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid to

upper 70s.

Wednesday's Best Plays

2ND - BACHELORETTE ONE (Perfect Mandate) will be making her first career

start in this maiden claiming affair and holds some interesting

possibilities. The two-year-old filly comes from the barn of Wesley Ward who

wins 19 percent of the time in the "1st Time Starter" trainer category and

20 percent of the time in the "Maiden Claiming" category. Perfect Mandate's

progeny win 15 percent of the time at first asking and the dam, Stardust

Debbie (Debonair Roger) has had three winners from four starters. Toss in

the fact that Bachelorette One is coming off of a very solid work of :47 1/5

(the third fastest of 41 that day) over the Del Mar strip and there is much

to like at what should be a square price.

3RD - MY MISS STORM CAT (Sea Of Secrets) was all the talk a little over a

year ago when she made her career debut, absolutely destroying a maiden

special field at Hollywood by 10 lengths and equaling the track record at

that time. The dark bay made her second, and last, start in the Landaluce S.

(G3) where she went off as the overwhelming favorite only to come up 1 1/4

lengths short.

Though she has not started in over a year, My Miss Storm Cat has put in

some good works for her return to racing and trainer Bob Baffert is 24

percent in the "90+ Days Away" trainer category. Her BRIS Prime Power

Ratings, BRIS Speed Ratings, and BRIS Class Ratings top the field so she

should be extremely tough to handle if she is ready to go after the lay off.